Earth - No 15 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: EARTH
Issue: 15
Date: February 1990
Publisher: EARTH
Country: UK
Price: £1.00

This issue of EARTH magazine, a publication dedicated to Paganism, Forteana, and Earth Mysteries, presents a diverse range of articles exploring altered states of consciousness, ancient sites, and esoteric practices. The cover art, by Sean O'Leeds, features a striking image of runes, standing stones, and mystical figures, with the headline "EARTH WORKS RUNE MAGIC LEYLINES • STANDING STONES EARTH ENERGY". The magazine is edited by Paul Bennett.

Contents and Key Articles

Psychedelic Experiences and Altered States

The issue opens with a section detailing "two people's accounts of differing psychedelic voyages," encouraging reader feedback on how these substances relate to altered states of consciousness, NDEs, schizophrenia, and mystical experiences.

"The Andragny of Loves Brief Account of a Personal Hallucinogenic Account" by Sue delyes describes a powerful experience in Hyde Park, Leeds, in August 1987, induced by psilocybin mushrooms. The writer posits that the experience was a "cleansing of the doors of perception," leading to a direct perception of reality. The article discusses the role of such experiences in spiritual growth and contrasts them with traditional religious beliefs, referencing Hinduism and Sufism.

"The Experience" details a personal journey at age 19, involving a "magic mushroom" brew. The experience is described as initially disturbing, with feelings of a "personalised entity invading my body," paranoia, and lethargy. The group sought to alleviate this by walking to the woods, where sensory experiences intensified, and the environment became threatening. The writer notes a collective feeling of losing control and a struggle to remain grounded.

"The Things We did On Drugs - A Cautionary Tale of Hallucinogenic Hubris" by Worawood recounts a near-tragic incident involving three young people during the "drug revolution" of the '70s. A tarot reading, intended to symbolise personality, trip nature, and lessons, unexpectedly revealed the "Death Card." This coincided with a real-life event: a fatal motorbike accident at a crossroads nearby. The writer explores the concepts of synchronicity, fate, and the possibility of subconscious involvement, concluding that "Magick is alive" and recommending the use of hallucinogens for direct insight, with caution.

Earth Mysteries and Local Folklore

"Otherworlds Around Us" by Ian Taylor presents a case study of a "Black Dog" sighting reported by a Mrs X from Hull. The animal was described as black, with pointed ears, a funny tail, and a flat, two-dimensional appearance. The sighting occurred shortly before the death of Mrs X's father, leading to speculation that the "Black Dog" might be a death omen or a warning. The article also touches upon the significance of ancient sacred sites in the area and the possibility of psychic attunement within families.

"To Find a Hidden Site: Dowsing the Lost Stone Circle of Ilkley Moor" by Nigel Mortiser details the author's dowsing experiments to locate an unmapped stone circle on Ilkley Moor. Guided by a quote from Rev. Robert Collyer and using map-dowsing and a pendulum, Mortiser identified a site near Backstone Beck, SE 12654603. He describes finding a "rough stone circle" with a central pointed stone and surrounding smaller stones, possibly part of an old sheep-fold. The article notes the lack of mention of this specific site in existing literature, despite its proximity to known ancient sites.

Esoteric Practices and Spirituality

"The Shamanic Survival" by Phil Hine explores the enduring figure of the shaman across cultures and time. It defines shamanism as an "archaic technique of ecstasy" and discusses its structural similarities worldwide. The article highlights the growing interest in shamanism as a means to revitalize and reintegrate into a worldview beyond modern culture, noting its influence on theatre, religion, art, and language. It also touches upon the use of psychotropic plants in shamanic practices and the concept of the "axis mundi" connecting different universal layers. The author suggests that while modern society has broken traditional lines, shamanic techniques can still offer a path to spiritual progress, community, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

• "Meditations, Part 3" by Stephen Hart continues a series on meditation techniques. This installment covers:
• Hand Positions: Emphasizing the importance of hand posture for concentrating vital energy, suggesting the "Buddha posture" (left hand in right, fingers forming a circle, thumbs touching) or resting hands on knees with fingers touching.
• Makyo: Discussing "illusion" phenomena encountered in deeper meditative states and advocating for embracing such imagery for self-realization, rather than ignoring it.
• The Meditation of Finding the Wise Old Hermit: A transpersonal psychology exercise involving visualizing oneself on a moor and encountering a hermit for guidance.
• The Mindfulness of Breathing: A basic Buddhist technique of counting breaths to improve concentration.
• The Elements Balancing Meditation: A practice of visualizing and embodying the elements (earth, air, fire, water) to balance energies.
• The Sufi Dance: Mentioning the Mevlevi Order's use of dance as meditation and "union with the beloved."

"Right Hand, Left Hand: A Natural History of Palmistry, Part 2" by Bryn Orasford continues the exploration of palmistry. It explains the basic structure of the hand, the division of the palm into "Map side" and "terrain," and the roles of the Radial and Ulna nerves. The article emphasizes the connection between brain hemispheres and hand interpretation, with the left hemisphere relating to logic and the right to imagination and intuition. It suggests that by understanding hand differences, one can learn more about oneself and one's own psychic development.

Other Sections

• "Further Comments" by Paul Devereux discusses the physiological and psychological aspects of psychedelic experiences and critiques religious dualism.
• "Further Reading" provides a list of recommended books on topics such as shamanism, altered states, and psychotropic plants.
• "What's On" lists various pagan moots, lectures, and gatherings across the UK.
• "Letters" includes correspondence from Paul Devereux and Erich von Daniken.
• "Mercian Mysteries Group News Release" announces the formation of a new Earth Mysteries group focusing on the Midlands.
• "V V V V V BOOKS FOR SALE V V V V V" lists available back issues of EARTH magazine and various books for sale.
• "SOME BACK ISSUES of EARTH ARE STILL AVAILABLE" lists available back issues with their respective themes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in Earth Mysteries, paganism, and alternative spiritualities. There is a strong emphasis on personal experience, particularly concerning altered states of consciousness induced by psychedelics and meditation. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and encourages readers to explore these subjects, share their experiences, and engage in research. The publication advocates for a holistic understanding of the world, integrating scientific, psychological, and spiritual perspectives. There is a recurring theme of seeking deeper meaning, challenging conventional beliefs, and reconnecting with nature and ancient wisdom. The magazine also highlights the importance of community and shared exploration within these fields.

Title: Fortean Times
Issue: No. 1
Date: Summer '89
Publisher: Fortean Times
Country: UK
Price: £1.75

This inaugural issue of Fortean Times, subtitled 'The Foremost Journal of Strange Phenomena', presents a diverse range of articles and reviews focused on the paranormal, UFOs, and earth mysteries.

The Backstone Circles: A Brief Record of Recent Paranormal Phenomena

This feature details a 72-hour observation at a rediscovered stone circle on Ilkley Moor. On the eve of July 12, 1989, observers Andy Tyson and the author experienced a series of unusual events. Upon arrival at the circle, Tyson reported a vibrating sensation. Later, around 12:30 am, a remarkable chain of visual events unfolded. Figures, described as neither solid nor transparent and about five feet tall, were seen walking in and out of the stones, gradually increasing their speed. This created a visual blur and an energetic vortex. The phenomena then transformed into vivid lines of orange-red energy, described as striated and approximately two feet off the ground, lasting for over thirty minutes.

During these observations, a small figure, barely two-and-a-half feet tall, appeared behind Tyson, covered in a pale shroud. Another figure, about five feet tall, described as a remarkable anthropomorphic simulacrum, also appeared near a standing stone. The author did not reveal all he was seeing to Tyson, who was becoming unnerved.

Later, Tyson also reported seeing figures, both male and female, between four and five feet tall, walking around the stones. These figures appeared faded.

The article also delves into the concept of 'seven bands' of energy found at stone circles, linking them to terrestrial and subtle geophysical energies, electromagnetic discharges, and cosmic radiations. These energies are suggested to interact and produce supernatural effects, potentially explaining UFOs, mystery animals, and other paraphysical phenomena.

Anomalous Temperature Reading

During a subsequent visit, thermometers placed inside and outside the stone circle revealed bizarre temperature variations. Initially, the temperature inside the circle was ten degrees higher than outside. After sunset, the inner-circle temperature dropped at nearly twice the background rate, creating a deviation of over six degrees between the thermometers by 11 pm. This phenomenon is postulated as a possible explanation for the severe cold felt during the earlier paranormal event.

UFO Reports from Ilkley Moor Area

The issue reports on several UFO sightings. On July 12, 1989, Nigel Mortimer observed an orange-red ball of light near Cow and Calf Rocks. On July 14, 1989, a witness in Addingham reported a large red-orange ball of light moving low over houses. Later that evening, UFOs were reported by witnesses in Yeadon as travelling from Ilkley Moor, described as orange-red and spherical, possibly consisting of three joined balls.

Archaeological and Geometrical Applications of the Lost Stone Circle of Ilkley Moor

This section discusses the physical characteristics of the Backstone Circle, noting its inner and outer circles and the dimensions of the stones. It highlights the presence of a prehistoric embankment and potential original standing stones embedded in earthworks. Alignments through the circle are explored, particularly its relationship to two other megalithic sites on the moor: the Twelve Apostles and the Grubstones circle. An alignment is noted that, when tracked from the Twelve Apostles, points towards the approximate position of the Midsummer sunrise.

The article also details the identification of ley lines connected to the Backstone Circle, tracing a path from the Idol Stone, through various sites including the circle, and ending at the Swastika Stone. This alignment is described as approximately 3.83km long.

Further investigations revealed a straight track leading towards the circle and the discovery of a large, eight-and-a-half-foot stone, possibly a former upright monolith. The authors suggest that the Backstone Circle complex may have been the ritual/religious extension of a nearby Iron Age hamlet.

Other Phenomena and Reviews

The magazine includes a section on 'Other Oddities' at the stone circle, mentioning glowing green light-forms and an entity form that reportedly came from 'a circle in the local hills'.

Several book reviews are featured:

• Earth Lights Revelation: UFOs and Mystery Lightfora Phenomena by Paul Devereux, praised for its assessment of phenomena like ball-lightning and EQLs, and its exploration of the relationship between UFOs and geological faulting.
• Lines on the Landscape: Leys and Other Linear Enigmas by Nigel Pennick & Paul Devereux, which attempts to sort out the concept of leys and their historical and geographical significance.
• Alternate States of Consciousness: Unself, Otherself and Superself by Hilary Evans, which examines altered states of consciousness and their relation to phenomena like UFO encounters and NDEs.
• Practical Magic in the Northern Tradition by Nigel Pennick, a reference work on Norse/Saxon spiritual expression.
• Glastonbury: Avalon of the Heart by Dion Fortune, a reprint on New Age Paganism.
• Voices from the Circle: The Heritage of Western Paganism edited by Prudence Jones & Caitlin Matthews, focusing on the unity with nature in Pagan traditions.
• The Return from Silences: A Study of Near-Death Experiences by D. Scott Rogo, exploring similarities between NDEs and OOBEs.
• The Witches' God: Lord of the Dance by Janet & Stewart Farrar, a reference work on deities.
• Fire Burns: Tales of Witchery by Kenneth Radford, a compilation of historical wicca trials and folktales.
• Walking Between the Worlds: Techniques of Modern Shaeanisa, Volume 1 by Phil Hine, an introduction to shamanic practices.
• Psychic Vibrations of Crystals, Gems and Stones by Maria D'Andrea, a practical guide to using mind and occult elements.
• The Sealed Magical Book of Moses by William Alexander Oribello, a re-interpretation of the Book of Thoth and Moses' techniques.

Additionally, the magazine lists various 'New Magazines' and 'Music Reviews', including releases related to earth mysteries, paganism, occultism, and ambient music.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and paranormal events, with a focus on earth mysteries and ancient sites. There is a strong emphasis on empirical observation, dowsing, and archaeological evidence, alongside an openness to esoteric and spiritual interpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to present a comprehensive and objective overview of these subjects, while also encouraging further research and discussion within the 'Fortean' community. The magazine also highlights the growing interest in alternative beliefs and spiritual practices, reviewing relevant books and music.